Modular inflatable dock

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and methods for a modular inflatable dock portion are provided for being assembled into various desirable arrangements over waterways. The modular inflatable dock portion comprises an envelope having a shape for floating on water. The envelope preferably is comprised of a pliable, lightweight, water-resistant material. Hinges are disposed along sides of the envelope and configured for joining with adjacent modular inflatable dock portions. The hinges allow movement between joined dock portions to accommodate hydrodynamic phenomena typically encountered by floating docks. A chamber within the envelope is configured for being inflated with air or other suitable gas. Drop stitches are disposed within the chamber and configured to maintain an overall shape and size of the envelope. The drop stitches may be arranged in the envelope in a manner that causes the inflatable dock portion to maintain a desired configuration regardless of internal pressure within the chamber.

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application, entitled “Modular Inflatable Dock,” filed on Jan. 29, 2021, and having application Ser. No. 63/143,696, the entirety of said application being incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to marine docks. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus and methods for a modular inflatable dock that may be assembled into various desirable arrangements over waterways.

BACKGROUND

Floating docks are generally capable of serving a greater volume and variety of marine craft compared to docks built solely along a shoreline. Floating docks typically are made of timber fixed to sunken pilings that may be driven into a lake or seabed. A drawback to timber docks, however, is that constant exposure to water and weather conditions generally leads to rapid deterioration and significant costs for maintenance and repair.

In an attempt to provide cost effective marine docks, floating docks comprising a deck surface on top of buoyant floats have been built. The service life of such docks, however, depends on the continuity of the floats. For example, a loss of watertight integrity of the buoyant floats may compromise the deck surface and lead to an eventual failure of the floating dock. In some embodiments, the buoyant float comprise foam-encapsulated concrete floats that rely on rigid shells to preserve the concrete's structural soundness. A drawback to such shells is that the shells are susceptible to cracking due to temperature extremes, which leads to water seepage and eventual failure. Further, in some embodiments, foam-filled rubber tires can be employed as inexpensive floats but can suffer from rubber deterioration.

In general, float repair or replacement often requires the dismantling of an entire dock. What is needed, therefore, is a modular floating dock that is straightforward to deploy, amenable to being arranged into various configurations, and easy to repair.

SUMMARY

An apparatus and methods for a modular inflatable dock portion are provided for being assembled into various desirable arrangements over waterways. The modular inflatable dock portion comprises an envelope having a shape for floating on water. The envelope preferably is comprised of a pliable, lightweight, water-resistant material. Hinges are disposed along sides of the envelope and configured for joining with adjacent modular inflatable dock portions. The hinges allow movement between joined dock portions to accommodate hydrodynamic phenomena typically encountered by floating docks. A chamber within the envelope is configured for being inflated with air or other suitable gas. Drop stitches are disposed within the chamber and configured to maintain an overall shape and size of the envelope. The drop stitches may be arranged in the envelope in a manner that causes the inflatable dock portion to maintain a desired configuration regardless of internal pressure within the chamber.

In an exemplary embodiment, an inflatable dock portion, comprises: an envelope comprising a shape for floating on water; multiple hinges along sides of the envelope for joining with adjacent dock portions; a chamber within the envelope for being inflated; and a valve for altering pressure within the chamber.

In another exemplary embodiment, the chamber is configured to be inflated with air or other suitable gas by way of the valve. In another exemplary embodiment, the envelope is comprised of a pliable, lightweight, water-resistant material. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more handles are disposed on the sides of the envelope and configured to facilitate hand carrying the inflatable dock portion. In another exemplary embodiment, the multiple hinges are configured to allow movement between joined dock portions to accommodate hydrodynamic phenomena typically encountered by floating docks.

In another exemplary embodiment, the shape includes various polygonal shapes as well as shapes including curved sides, such as circular, ellipsoid, ovoid, and the like. In another exemplary embodiment, the chamber comprises a single volume extending throughout the envelope. In another exemplary embodiment, the chamber comprises multiple smaller chambers in fluid communication with one another. In another exemplary embodiment, the inflation valve configured to receive a complementary pump or nozzle for inflating the envelope.

In another exemplary embodiment, drop stitches are disposed within the chamber and configured to maintain an overall shape and size of the envelope. In another exemplary embodiment, the drop stitches are arranged with a substantially uniform density within the chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, the drop stitches comprise a multiplicity of filaments attached to the top and the bottom of the envelope. In another exemplary embodiment, the filaments are configured to maintain a consistent distance between the top and the bottom of the envelope regardless of the internal pressure within the chamber.

In another exemplary embodiment, the drop stitches are arranged in the envelope in a manner that causes the inflatable dock portion to maintain a desired configuration regardless of internal pressure within the chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, the drop stiches include vertical lengths that are varied throughout the envelope to affect how the inflatable dock portion responds to changes in internal pressure. In another exemplary embodiment, the drop stiches include vertical lengths that are varied throughout the envelope to affect how the inflatable dock portion supports weight. In another exemplary embodiment, the drop stiches include vertical lengths that are configured to maintain a stable a center region of the inflatable dock portion during changing environmental temperatures encountered throughout the day. In another exemplary embodiment, the drop stiches include vertical lengths that are configured to ensure that edges of the inflatable dock portion are capable of supporting a desired amount of weight without sinking into the water.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method for an inflatable dock portion comprises: configuring an envelope for floating on water; forming a chamber within the envelope for being inflated; coupling a valve with the chamber for altering pressure within the chamber; and attaching multiple hinges along sides of the envelope for joining with adjacent dock portions.

In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the envelope includes configuring a shape of the envelope that is suitable for floating on water and being joined with adjacent dock portions.

These and other features of the concepts provided herein may be better understood with reference to the drawings, description, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings refer to embodiments of the present disclosure in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable dock portion having a relatively large rectangular shape, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary-use arrangement of differently sized and shaped inflatable deck portions that are assembled to form a dock configuration, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inflatable dock portion of FIG. 1, taken along a line 3-3;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inflatable dock portion of FIG. 3, taken along a line 4-4;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable dock portion that includes drop stitches arranged throughout an interior cavity of the inflatable dock portion; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable dock portion that includes drop stitches arranged with a variable density throughout the interior cavity of the inflatable dock portion.

While the present disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The present disclosure should be understood to not be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the modular inflatable dock and methods disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, specific numeric references such as “first hinge,” may be made. However, the specific numeric reference should not be interpreted as a literal sequential order but rather interpreted that the “first hinge” is different than a “second hinge.” Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The term “coupled” is defined as meaning connected either directly to the component or indirectly to the component through another component. Further, as used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” for any numerical values or ranges indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein.

Floating docks are generally capable of serving a greater volume and variety of marine craft compared to docks built solely along a shoreline. A drawback to conventional docks, however, is that constant exposure to water and weather conditions generally leads to rapid deterioration and significant costs for maintenance and repair. In general, float repair or replacement often requires the dismantling of an entire dock. What is needed, therefore, is a modular floating dock system that is straightforward to deploy, amenable to being arranged into various configurations, and easy to repair.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable dock portion 100 having a relatively large rectangular shape, according to the present disclosure. The dock portion 100 comprises a generally rectangular envelope 104 that includes an interior chamber to be inflated with air or other suitable gas by way of an inflation valve 108, as described herein. The envelope 104 preferably is comprised of any pliable, lightweight, water-resistant material that may be inflated so as to float on water, such as, by way of non-limiting example, PVC, rubber, neoprene, urethane, treated ripstop, and the like. In some embodiments, for example, the envelope 104 may be comprised of a flexible cloth that is coated with a layer of neoprene, or other similar material, without limitation. In some embodiments, the envelope 104 may be comprised of PVC and rubber so as to prevent scuffing, scratching, and/or otherwise damaging watercraft that may be anchored to the dock portion 100.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the inflatable dock portion 100 includes multiple hinges 112 and handles 116 disposed on side surfaces 120 of the envelope 104. As will be appreciated, the handles 116 facilitate one or more practitioners hand carrying the inflatable dock portion 100. The hinges 112 facilitate coupling adjacent dock portions 100 together. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinges 112 are of a Clevis variety of hinge that comprises parallel prongs having a hole configured to accept a pin. Upon aligning the holes comprising a first hinge 112 comprising a first dock portion 100 and a second hinge 112 comprising a second dock portion 100, the pin may be inserted through all the holes to join the first and second hinges 112. As will be appreciated, the pin allows the first and second hinges 112 to rotate with respect to one another, and thus joining the hinges 112 generally allows the first and second dock portions 100 to rotate with respect one another. It is contemplated that movement between the first and second dock portions 100 serves to accommodate hydrodynamic phenomena typically encountered by floating docks, such as tidal variations, water waves, surges, swells, wakes, and the like.

Moreover, it is contemplated that a plurality of dock portions 100 having different shapes and sizes may be arranged into a desired dock configuration by joining the hinges 112 comprising adjacent dock portions 100. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary-use environment wherein a dock configuration 124 is formed by joining a large rectangular dock portion 128 to a square dock portion 132 that is joined to a small rectangular portion 136. Further, hinges 112 and handles 116 are disposed with a substantially similar spacing along each side of the dock portions 128, 132, 136 while a greater number of hinges 112 are disposed on larger dock portions. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, the large rectangular dock portion 128 includes six hinges 112 and one handle 116 that are uniformly disposed along each of two long sides 140, and four hinges 112 and one handle 116 are uniformly disposed along each of two short sides 144. The square dock portion 132 includes four hinges 112 and a single handle 116 disposed along each of four sides 148 of substantially equal length. The small rectangular dock portion 136 includes four hinges 112 and one handle 116 that are uniformly disposed along each of two long sides 152, and two hinges 112 and a single handle 116 are uniformly disposed along each of two short sides 156.

As will be appreciated, the substantially similar spacing of the hinges 112 on the dock portions 128, 132, 136 ensures that the dock portions 128, 132, 136 may be hingedly joined in a variety of dock configurations 124, as described herein. It should be understood, however, that the shapes of the dock portions 128, 132, 136 shown in FIG. 2 are not limiting in nature, but rather inflatable dock portions 100 may be implemented with any of various shapes and sizes, without limitation. In some embodiments, for example, the inflatable dock portions 100 may be implemented in the form of various polygonal shapes as well as shapes including curved sides, such as circular, ellipsoid, ovoid, and the like, without limitation.

As mentioned hereinabove, the inflatable dock portion 100 comprises a generally rectangular envelope 104 that may be inflated so as to float on the surface of water. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-2, the envelope 104 may be inflated with air or other suitable gas by way of the inflation valve 108. As shown in FIG. 3, the envelope 104 may include an interior chamber 160 that is in fluid communication with the inflation valve 108. As shown in FIG. 4, the chamber 160 may comprise a single volume extending throughout the envelope 104. In some embodiments, however, the chamber 160 may comprise multiple smaller chambers in fluid communication with one another. The inflation valve 108 may be of a variety that allows the pressure within the chamber 160 to be increased and decreased, as desired. As will be appreciated, increasing the inflation pressure within the chamber 160 generally increases the stiffness of the envelope 104 and thus increases the weight that may be supported on the dock portion 100. It is contemplated that the inflation valve 108 may be configured to receive a complementary pump or nozzle whereby an internal pressure of the envelope 104 may be altered, as desired.

Preferably, the overall shape and size of the envelope 104 is maintained by drop stitches 164 that are disposed within the interior chamber 160. As shown in FIG. 3, the drop stitch 164 comprise a multiplicity of filaments attached to the top and the bottom of the envelope 104. The drop stitches 164 are configured to maintain a consistent distance between the top and the bottom of the envelope 104 regardless of the internal pressure within the chamber 160. It is contemplated that the filaments may comprise any of various threads or suitable fibers for counteracting outward pressure on the envelope 104, without limitation.

Moreover, the drop stitches 164 may be disposed in the envelope 104 with any of various patterns or arrangements. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the envelope 104 that includes drop stitches 164 that are arranged in longitudinal paths 168. The paths 168 are configured to cause the envelope 104 to assume a relatively uniform thickness regardless of the internal pressure within the chamber 160. Any distention of the envelope 104 due to pressure within the chamber 160 will be arranged into adjacent rows that are aligned between the paths 168 shown in FIG. 4. As will be appreciated, including a greater number of paths 168 in the envelope 104 will give rise to narrower rows of distention, thereby producing a flatter envelope 104.

In some embodiments, the drop stitches 164 may be configured and arranged in the envelope 104 in a manner that causes the inflatable dock portion 100 to assume a desired configuration, regardless of internal pressure within the chamber 160. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable dock portion 100 that includes drop stitches 164 that are arranged throughout the cross-sectional area of the envelope 104. Unlike the linear paths 168 of FIG. 4, the drop stitches 164 shown in FIG. 5 are arranged with a substantially uniform density within the interior chamber 160 of the envelope 104.

The vertical lengths of the drop stitches 164 may be varied throughout the cross-sectional area of the envelope 104, without limitation, to affect how the inflatable dock portion 100 responds to changes in internal pressure within the envelope 104, as well as affecting how the inflatable dock portion 100 supports weight placed on top of the dock portion 100. In some embodiments, the vertical lengths of the drop stitches 164 may be configured to maintain a stable a center region of the inflatable dock portion 100 during changing environmental temperatures encountered throughout the day. Further, in some embodiments, the vertical lengths of the drop stitches 164 may be configured to ensure that edges of the inflatable dock portion 100 are capable of supporting a desired amount of weight without sinking into the water. Other advantages of varying the vertical lengths of the drop stitches 164 will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

It should be understood that the density of the drop stitches 164 shown in FIG. 5 is solely illustrative in nature, and thus the drop stitches 164 may be disposed within the interior chamber 160 of the envelope 104 in any density, as desired and without limitation. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable dock portion 100 that includes drop stitches 164 that are arranged with an exemplary variable density throughout the cross-sectional area of the envelope 104. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, a peripheral region 172 of the envelope 104 includes a greater density of drop stitches 164 than a density of drop stitches within an interior region 176. Further, a central region 180 may include a density of drop stitches 164 that is equal to or greater than the density of drop stiches 164 within the peripheral region 172. It is contemplated that the difference in density of the drop stitches 164 as well as variations in the vertical lengths of the drop stitches 164 may be configured to form structural features, as described herein. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, for example, differences in the density and vertical lengths of the drop stitches 164 are configured to ensure that the envelope 104 maintains its shape and/or size regardless of the inflation pressure within the internal chamber 160. As such, a practitioner may alter the inflation pressure within the chamber 160 to change the weight bearing capability of the inflatable dock portion 100 without distorting the shape and size of the envelope 104.

It is contemplated that, in some embodiments, the inflatable dock portions 100 of the present disclosure may be deployed to form a dock configuration 124, as described herein, in lieu of a conventional permanent dock. Those skilled in the art will recognize that assembling a plurality of inflatable dock portions 100 generally is cheaper than building a permanent dock and facilitates assembling a desired dock configuration 124 in areas where a permeant dock might not be allowed. Further, it is envisioned that the inflatable dock portions 100 may be assembled to form an anchored dock offshore to safely tie off watercraft.

Moreover, it is contemplated that, in some embodiments, the inflatable dock portions 100 may be used to form temporary dock configurations 124 for boats that are anchored. In some embodiments, the inflatable dock portions 100 can be used as side tie platforms that enable people to transition from the water into a boat or potentially pull large fish out of the water. Further, in some embodiments, the inflatable dock portions 100 may be disposed between two boats to form both a social area and a protective barrier between the boats. In some embodiments, the inflatable dock portions 100 may be used for maintenance activities, such as painting or washing large boats.

It should be understood that the inflatable dock portions 100 disclosed hereinabove are not limited to being use for anchoring boats and other watercraft. For example, in some embodiments, the inflatable dock portions 100 may be assembled to form bridges that enable people and/or equipment to travel over bodies of water, including streams and rivers. In some embodiments, the inflatable dock portions 100 may be assembled to form a dock configuration 124 comprising a scuba diving platform. Such a scuba diving platform may be used to rest on as well as to store equipment and make surrounding people aware scuba divers are in the water. In some embodiments, the inflatable dock portions 100 may be used for recreational purposes. For instance, in some embodiments, the inflatable dock portions 100 may be used to support multiple people desiring to sit or stand without getting wet, as well as support recreational equipment such as coolers, beach chairs, and the like, without limitation. Further, in some embodiments, the inflatable dock portions 100 may be used to form a dock configuration 124 suitable for fishing or hunting, as desired.

While the modular inflatable dock and methods have been described in terms of particular variations and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the modular inflatable dock is not limited to the variations or figures described. In addition, where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and that such modifications are in accordance with the variations of the modular inflatable dock. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process, when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. To the extent there are variations of the modular inflatable dock, which are within the spirit of the disclosure or equivalent to the modular inflatable dock found in the claims, it is the intent that this patent will cover those variations as well. Therefore, the present disclosure is to be understood as not limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An inflatable dock portion, comprising: an envelope comprising a shape for floating on water; multiple hinges along sides of the envelope for joining with adjacent dock portions; a chamber within the envelope for being inflated; and a valve for altering pressure within the chamber.
 2. The inflatable dock portion of claim 1, wherein the chamber is configured to be inflated with air or other suitable gas by way of the valve.
 3. The inflatable dock portion of claim 1, wherein the envelope is comprised of a pliable, lightweight, water-resistant material.
 4. The inflatable dock portion of claim 1, wherein one or more handles are disposed on the sides of the envelope and configured to facilitate hand carrying the inflatable dock portion.
 5. The inflatable dock portion of claim 1, wherein the multiple hinges are configured to allow movement between joined dock portions to accommodate hydrodynamic phenomena typically encountered by floating docks.
 6. The inflatable dock portion of claim 1, wherein the shape includes various polygonal shapes as well as shapes including curved sides, such as circular, ellipsoid, ovoid, and the like.
 7. The inflatable dock portion of claim 1, wherein the chamber comprises a single volume extending throughout the envelope.
 8. The inflatable dock portion of claim 1, wherein the chamber comprises multiple smaller chambers in fluid communication with one another.
 9. The inflatable dock portion of claim 1, wherein the inflation valve configured to receive a complementary pump or nozzle for inflating the envelope.
 10. The inflatable dock portion of claim 1, wherein drop stitches are disposed within the chamber and configured to maintain an overall shape and size of the envelope.
 11. The inflatable dock portion of claim 10, wherein the drop stitches are arranged with a substantially uniform density within the chamber.
 12. The inflatable dock portion of claim 10, wherein the drop stitches comprise a multiplicity of filaments attached to the top and the bottom of the envelope.
 13. The inflatable dock portion of claim 12, wherein the filaments are configured to maintain a consistent distance between the top and the bottom of the envelope regardless of the internal pressure within the chamber.
 14. The inflatable dock portion of claim 1, wherein the drop stitches are arranged in the envelope in a manner that causes the inflatable dock portion to maintain a desired configuration regardless of internal pressure within the chamber.
 15. The inflatable dock portion of claim 1, wherein the drop stiches include vertical lengths that are varied throughout the envelope to affect how the inflatable dock portion responds to changes in internal pressure.
 16. The inflatable dock portion of claim 1, wherein the drop stiches include vertical lengths that are varied throughout the envelope to affect how the inflatable dock portion supports weight.
 17. The inflatable dock portion of claim 1, wherein the drop stiches include vertical lengths that are configured to maintain a stable a center region of the inflatable dock portion during changing environmental temperatures encountered throughout the day.
 18. The inflatable dock portion of claim 1, wherein the drop stiches include vertical lengths that are configured to ensure that edges of the inflatable dock portion are capable of supporting a desired amount of weight without sinking into the water.
 19. A method for an inflatable dock portion, comprising: configuring an envelope for floating on water; forming a chamber within the envelope for being inflated; coupling a valve with the chamber for altering pressure within the chamber; and attaching multiple hinges along sides of the envelope for joining with adjacent dock portions.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein configuring the envelope includes configuring a shape of the envelope that is suitable for floating on water and being joined with adjacent dock portions. 